Seventeen Miracle Matte Foundation Review

Without a doubt, Seventeen is my favourite drugstore cosmetics brand. The quality of product for the price you pay is unbeatable in my mind. So, with that in mind, if I am looking for a new product and don't have too much to spend, the Seventeen stand is always my first stop off. In the past, I have never tried anything from the brand that I haven't been really impressed with... That was until I picked up a bottle of the Miracle Matte Foundation.

I picked this product up having tried and loved the Miracle Matte Pressed Powder (which I have actually repurchased several times now) thinking that for £5.99 I had little to lose, especially when I have had such positive thoughts about everything else. But if I am going to be completely honest, I actually hate this foundation.
Hate is a strong word and I'm not one to throw it about often but I can find virtually nothing positive about this foundation.
Let's start with the shades; there are very few. Now, I know that I am relatively fair skinned but having bought this in Natural which is the lightest shade available, there is no way anyone lighter than a MAC NC25 would be able to subtly wear this in my opinion, it is just too dark. Then there is the coverage, which goes on rather strangely to begin with, needing a lot of blending with both fingers and a brush to get it even and stop it going sticky(?!?) And then finally there is how the foundation wears... Even if by some miracle you find a shade that works for you and manage to get it to apply evenly, after several hours you will still find that the product has oxidised making it go orange and also somehow work its way into streaky lines so you resemble a somewhat suntanned zebra, which isn't a look many people find overly attractive.

I feel bad that I can't find anything good to say, so I will add that I like the packaging, which reminds me quite a bit of something you would expect from Benefit, but packaging doesn't make a product good so really that counts for very little.

Have you tried this product before, or any other Seventeen foundations? What were your thoughts?

Annie xx

Max Factor Whipped Creme Foundation Review

Max Factor is one of those brands that I think can constantly be relied upon for products that are both affordable and good quality. A brand you can rely on. So I was excited to give their newest foundation offer a little try, especially after swatching on my hand in Boots and feeling how beautifully soft it was left feeling!

The Whipped Creme Foundation is a new formula to the brand and is designed to give a lovely natural looking finish whilst also giving medium coverage. This is possible because of the light, texture which keeps caking to a minimum and is less drying on the skin than your usual liquid foundation.
When it comes to application I was amazed by just how little product is needed. It applies like a dream with both fingers or a foundation brush and is easy to buff into the skin leaving a very natural looking finish whilst evening out skin tone and covering most blemishes.

One thing that I have found though is that with this foundation I do also need to use more concealer than with some of my other foundations (I'm not in the photo above which means spots around my chin are visible) because this foundation doesn't seem to like sitting on top of bigger blemishes for some reason. It also took a few applications to get used to the super light, whipped texture but that wasn't a problem, more just a new experience :)

Over all I really rate this foundation and think its on that will get a lot of use on better skin days to perk up the appearance and balance redness and I think its a lovely formula that would really suit slightly dry skin as it doesn't cake or sit heavily.
You can pick up a tu for yourself for £9.99 *here* or from any Boots store.
Annie xx

October Favourites

I love reading about what people have been enjoying using each month so thought I'd start writing my own favourites posts. If this is something you'd like me to keep writing every month then let me know :)

1. A newish love of mine, the Nuxe Eau Demaquillante Micellaire is a cleansing water that is lovely and soft on the skin yet melt makeup away on contact with the skin. The beautiful soft scent is nice and relaxing and the cleanser removes everything effortlessly. I've found myself reaching for this every day, morning and night.
2. A palette that I keep coming and going with, the MUA Undress Me palette I bought a few months ago to see how good a dupe it is for the Urban Decay Naked palette. This month I've found myself reaching for it quite a few times, especially for the more golden tones which I've loved wearing with bright red lips for a warm, autumn look.
3. Everyone knows I love the Ginvera BB cream and as the weather is getting colder I've found that where my skin is getting drier this has been perfect for giving good coverage as well as keeping my skin health and hydrated. Definitely one of my favourite beauty products of all time.
4. A newish product to my kit, the No7 Match Made concealer has been a real staple product for me since purchasing. I use it every day without fail to balance out excess redness, hide dark circles and provide a nice even base for my foundation. I have a full review of this coming up later this week complete with before and after shot (eek!) so keep an eye out.
5. I had wanted Watts Up for so long I can't remember so when I got made a supervisor I bought it as a little present to myself and oh goodness I love it. Another product I reach for daily! The soft golden glow looks beautiful in the autumn sunshine when worn along the cheek bones and on the brow bone. Looking forward to getting lots of use from it in the summer too :)

Those are my most reached for beauty bits this month. What have you found yourself enjoying most during October?

Annie xx

Mineral Hygienics Cosmetics

Mineral Hygienics is a brand that I hadn't heard of until recently when I was approached to give some of the products a go. The American based company specialise in natural, gentle mineral products that have been designed to give beautiful results that are long lasting as well as being kind to the skin. Quite a big ask I thought so I was excited to give some of their most popular products a try.
I was sent the Sheer Mineral Foundation* in tones Light and Fairly Light, the Sheer Perfection setting powder* in Silk Translucent, the Mineral Enhancer* bronzer in Cool Kiss and the Full Coverage Kabuki Brush* to apply the products with.

After a little colour swatching I matched myself with the Light foundation and began to play with the products. I've always been a bit of a liquid foundation person because I like to make sure my foundation has a nice high coverage, not because I have bad skin, but because I like to have a nice even, clear base to work from (everyone likes to look flawless right?!) and I've found before that mineral makeup doesn't tend to have the high level of coverage that I like. However I have to admit to being pleasantly impressed. I found that, despite not being quite as high coverage as I would usually wear, the mineral products did give me a lovely even base without looking caked and powdery. Bronzer is a product that I have to be very light handed with because of my English rose colouring but the Cool Kiss enhancer was just right and gave my skin warmth and definition that I really like. I think this may actually be my favourite of the products.
I always use a kabuki brush to apply my base makeup and have had many over the years of varying quality and scratchiness and have to say that this one has been one of the softer textured despite still being firm enough to give  nice effect. I have noticed a little shedding but I found that to mainly be before washing the first time and as I've used the brush more it has become less of an issue.

Now, my one main criticism of the Mineral Hygienics range has got to be the mess these lovely products leave on my desk. As with all loose powder products there is a certain amount of product dropped as you apply, however I have had some trouble with the stubbornness of the product when it comes to wiping away. When on my face this is a brilliant trait but when using a white makeup desk it is a little less desirable so you definitely need to take a little care to minimise the mess you make!

In general I have been pretty happy with the whole product range that I've had the chance to try and whilst I think I will always mainly be a liquid foundation girl, I have built up a lot of love for the bronzer and translucent setting powders and I use the kabuki brush almost daily now to apply my products (I'm also looking at trying out some more of the Mineral Hygienics brushes). Do be careful not to make too much mess on your desk because it will be hard to remove but I do like knowing that it also takes a lot to remove it from my face, what with working a very active job!
If you would like to give Mineral Hygienics a look then you can find the website *here*
Annie xx

Reaching for Recently

Oh my goodness it's been hot here! Living in the south west we've been getting the hottest of hot weather and boy it makes makeup choices tricky. I'm really not used to having my makeup slide off my face in the UK but some products just haven't been able to hack it!
With a little experimentation though I've found these products to all be fab, even in the heat and beating sun.

Ginvera Green Tea BB Cream- Foundation has been the biggest problem in the heat because most have just made my skin feel clogged or have just slid off but the Ginvera BB cream has held its own. I've been using it because of the good coverage, SPF 30 (definitely essential right now) and because, being from Singapore, the formula is able to stand up to heat and humidity.
MAC Coppertone Blusher- I use this as a bronzer rather than a blush and just use  little to contour cheeks and add definition but the colour is gorgeous in the sun and I find MAC powders are the best for being long lasting but weightless on the skin.
MAC Lightscapade Skin Finish- This is a product that I've loved since purchasing but as someone whos a little hooked on highlighters, it can tend to be a little neglected. In the same way as Coppertone, the powder feels weightless on the skin but sits beautifully and lasts for hours. I use this around the outer corners of my eyes, along cheek bones and down the centre of my nose to highlight...and it also helps keep my foundation on!
MAC Painterly Paint Pot- Always a staple product for me. I've found that more than ever I've been needing something to keep eyeshadow sat in place and MAC paint pots are simply unbeatable, especially Painterly as it also evens out colour and conceals dark circles.
Lush Strong Lipstick- The whole Lush Emotional Brilliance range has been really good through the heat actually. I find the colours stay in place, don't dry out and also don't spread half way across my face if I get sweaty. I've been wearing Strong a lot because the warm toned red is really pretty and on trend. The long lasting formula also really helps when you need to constantly be drinking water but don't have time to re-apply constantly :p
Lush Sophisticated Eyeshadow- Another Emotional Brilliance colour! Sophisticated is a soft, shimmery colour that is really easy to wear and I've been loving it just with a little mascara for a quick and effortless look that stays in place.
17 Lip Liner- One final staple has been a clear, slightly illuminating lip liner that stops lipstick from feathering across my face from excess heat. This one was really cheap but works just as well as others I've tried and for me, that makes it a winner!

Worn together, I think these items work really well and create a soft, fresh faced look thats easy to maintain in the heat.
One thing that I've really noticed though is that MAC seems to be an unbeatable brand in this weather, which only makes me love it more :)
Have you found your makeup routine has suffered in the sun? What products have you been reaching for most? Or have you been braving a bare faced look like I wish I was brave enough to?
Annie xx

No 7 Instant Radiance Foundation Review

Finally I've pulled myself together and uploaded the photos for this review.
I bought the No 7 Instant Radiance Foundation at the end of June when I got paid and have been loving it since.

This foundation is marketed as being a medium coverage foundation that will provides a "radiant boost for tired, stressed skin" and after testing it out for the last two weeks I'd definitely be happy to agree with that claim. Whilst I try not to look as the long list of fake ingredients piled into makeup, this foundation includes a small amount of ginger root extract which is an ingredient I love for its energising and blood flow stimulating properties. The effect of this in a foundation is to brighten skin and keep it looking away and perky.

The packaging is nicely designed and made using clear, lightweight plastic. The clear plastic makes it easy to know when you need to buy a new tube and is a lot lighter than the glass alternative would be. There is also a built in pump thankfully (big pet peeve of mine if there isn't one!) But one of the best things about the foundation from formula and packaging alone would have to be the inclusion of SPF which means that I can head out for the day knowing I have that protection on my face.

As you can see from the photo above the coverage is nice and even with a lovely dewy finish without looking oily. I'm prone to dark circles under my eyes because I'm fairly pale skinned but this foundation does a good job to cover them and I've had compliments on how my skin looks whilst I've been out which is always a good endorsement!
So what's the damage? A tube costs £12.50 which I think is pretty reasonable for a good coverage, nice finish foundation and in terms of wear I don't need to reapply during the day and still look fairly flawless at the end of the day. And being from No 7 they use their funky colour match system to make sure you get a shade as near as possible to your natural skin tone so you don't have to do the hard work of finding the right shade yourself! Yay!

Have you tried this foundation? Or any other No 7 that you've really liked?
Annie xx

FOTD- Fresh Faced and Wide Eyed

I think I may have found it! I mean my perfect non-designer foundation!
You may remember that the other day I blogged about some cheeky payday buys. One of those was the Instant Radiance Foundation by No 7 which I picked up for £12.50, well it turns out that its really great!

I admit that usually I'm a bit of a foundation snob because I think that there's no point in using high end paint on a cheapo canvas so I usually spend quite a bit to get the best base possible for my makeup but I've not liked a foundation this much since accidentally falling for the Dior BB cream so I'm more than happy...along with my bank balance! I won't say too much now because I have a full review coming up tomorrow, but for now I'll just say that the finish is light, dewy and fresh; just what I like for summer.

So whats on my mug?
Face:

• No 7 Instant Radiance Foundation in cool vanilla
• Nars Orgasm Blusher
• Lush Emotional Brilliance Sheer Powder
• Illamasqua Gleam in Aurora
• Lush Feeling Younger Highlighter

Eyes:

• Bobbi Brown Mahogany powder on brows
• MAC Painterly paint pot
• MAC Eclair paint pot
• Soap and Glory Thick and Fast mascara

Lips:

• Lush Strong lipstick
• Lush Vibrance lipstick

It always amazes me when I write down how many different products I use without realising. I swear it doesn't feel like it at the time. Do you find that too?

Have you tried any of the No 7 foundations? What do you think?

Annie xx

The Beauty Junkie's "Light" Travel Makeup Kit

So we all struggle to pack light when it comes to taking makeup on holiday, however, I actually found myself  lying awake at night worrying about what I should take with me, the result? Below is my "light" kit of essentials that I couldn't bear to live without for three weeks.

At the end of the day I decided to just bite the bullet and take all of my favourites and give in to the fact I can't travel light. To make myself feel a little better I tested some of the products on how well they coped in the heat, I also tested how well the waterproof version of my very favourite mascara held up in comparison to its non-waterproof brother so I have a couple of posts lined up to tell you all about my findings :)
What I have learnt from taking so many products with me is that in the heat, I personally tended to keep the base as simple as possible, usually opting for a light application of Garnier BB cream (which I actually hate using in the UK), that a dusting of setting powder is a must, and that lip products tend to get neglected as they can make lips feel a little smothered; instead, the way to boost colour is by using a bright eyeshadow or liner as these feel light enough to be comfortable.
And finally, I was also cool enough to sit with a pad of paper and work out how much my light kit was worth and came to the shocking realisation that I had lugged £315 worth of makeup across to Mallorca with me! I doubt if I'd lost it all, my insurance company would have been too keen on paying that lot back haha.

Are you like me? Or are you harsh enough with yourself to actually manage to pack light? I just couldn't face not having any choice for so long. Does that sound familiar?
Annie x

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Make-up Review

Hello,
Like lots of you lovely ladies, I received a sample of Estee Lauder's new Invisible Fluid Make-up in last months issue of Glamour. I instantly fell in love with it and found myself in Boots a few days later being matched up to buy a bottle.

I've always been a Mac foundation girl, but I've been feeling a little like my skin can't breathe through it lately so the invisible fluid was like a breath of fresh air. Like advertised, skin feels just as if you are wearing no foundation at all but makes your skin look beautiful and almost air brushed.

 At £27 per bottle, this foundation doesn't come cheap but it is more than worth the money. The small swatch above is almost enough to do the entire face so, as you can see, this will last a nice long time. The consistency is fairly runny, a lot more so than my usual Mac Studio Fix which is fairly thick and paint like. The Invisible Fluid applys quickly and easily to the face and requires minimal buffing to get the product to blend. The effect you get is a light to medium coverage which is buildable and as a result you end up looking like you, only better...a sort of airbrushed copy.

I was matched up to the shade 1WN2 and it is the perfect shade for my light skin. I have fully blended it in to the skin in the photo above and its hard to tell that there is make-up there at all. The colour range offered is fairly extensive which is great for us ultra pale girls or for those of you with darker skin tones because it means that we are not excluded like with many brands. The quality of this product is also superb; it lasts for hours with little wearing off, it doesn't cake the skin and make you feel swamped and it doesn't even feel like you are wearing anything on your face.

I simply cannot fault it. My only one word of warning is to make sure that you shake the foundation up thoroughly before use to mix the formula properly. Over all though, I truly love this foundation and will continue to buy it whenever I run out. It is like a breath of fresh air after the thick formula I have been used to in the past and I would highly recommend trying it. In Boots if you get matched up for a colour, they give a free sample that will last you several days so you can get a good feel for the product which is something well worth giving a go.

Have you tried out Estee Lauder's Invisible Fluid? What do you think of this product?

Annie x

Lets Do Brunch!

Hello,
I had a wonderful day today. The weather has been glorious here in Bath and the temperature way up into the twenties.
I went into town for the day with one of my best friends and we decided to "do brunch" like proper fancy ladies. There was freshly squeezed orange juice and everything! I also treated myself to some lovely new treats before I start my spending ban at the beginning of April.

yummy brunch and fresh OJ : )

I had yummy smoked bacon, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce on muffins

Kassi had eggy bread and smoked bacon stacked with golden syrup : )

All happy together in our summer clothes and make-up

A couple of cheeky buys ;P

I've been wanting a new foundation for a while because I was getting fed up with my beloved Mac Studio Fix because it just feels so heavy on my face. I like my skin to be able to breathe so I shelled out the £27 for the new Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Make-up. Like lots of you other beauty blog ladies, I got a sample of this amazing foundation in the latest issue of Glamour and fell in love with it. I was matched to the one of the lightest shades (1nw1 I think it was) and it really is the perfect match for my skin. I am in love. And just to make things that little extra bit great, the lady on the counter gave me this double ended product for free! One end is their light toned double wear concealer and the other end is a pretty coloured lipgloss. If I'd bought this it would have cost almost £20!

My other little treat was Benefit's The Porefessional. Now, this was sort of an accidental purchase. I have been looking for a good primer for a while but hadn't found one I really liked. Whilst I was waiting for Kassi to faff around for a while I popped to the benefit counter and the lovely lady workingthere today demonstrated the product for me so well and was just *so* lovely and friendly that I found myself coming away with a bottle...and applying for a job with them! (that is definitely strong selling power!) I felt a little better when both me and Kassi left the counter having been sold lovely goodies by the Benefit ladies (Kassi spent more!) and we're going back next month for a makeover session. They also threw in a little sample of their facial emulsion, a lovely deep moisturiser.

And finally, from Boots I just grabbed a pack of eye make-up wipes because I ran out last night. These were good and cheap thank goodness and I paid with my advantage card so it didn't even feel like spending money.

I'll write up some reviews for you lovely people in a few days when I've put them through their paces, but right now I'm so excited about both products : )

What have you done on this lovely day?

Annie x